Security - Case Studies

Gareth Ogden

Ex-Lance Corporal Gareth Ogden served 13 years in the Army as a driver before deciding ‘it was time to go’ in early 2005, and taking up a new career in security and close protection. Service in Iraq, Germany, Northern Ireland and Great Britain had gained him and NVQ in Road Haulage, all his LGV licences and training in protective mobile skills.

He reports that his Uxbridge Career Transition Workshop ‘spells out what you are going into in civilian life.’ Apart from a driving awareness course, his main resettlement effort was devoted to CP training run by the Nemesis Group, and he would ‘totally recommend the course.’ Although he found the RFEA job finding service ‘very useful,’ Ogden’s first job came through his own efforts: ‘I just sent my CV out three months before I was due to leave the Forces, I was asked for an interview straight away, and secured my job six days after my discharge date.’

Working with Global Group security for the US Embassy in Kabul, he is now a Security supervisor, ‘managing and co-ordinating with the client the requirements for an effective and secure construction site during day and night, and organising static and mobile patrols around 15 locations.’ Despite long hours, the rewards are good and many aspects of the task are very familiar. He also enjoys the control that he now has over his own future.

Published May 07

Robert Brown

After six years in the Infantry, Lance Corporal Robert Brown left the Army three months ago because it was ‘time for a change’. Operational service in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan had reinforced his ability to ‘work as part of a team and to lead a team in hostile environments.’ A Career Transition Workshop let him ‘know exactly what help I was entitled to’, whilst he ‘also did the HSE First Aid at Work and the EBO Protect MAYBO Physical Intervention Programme.

The course was ‘excellent with a great student to instructor ratio. Visits were arranged to view real working environments,’ and he found his first job through ‘contacts made whilst on the course.’ He also believes that his contacts provide him with ‘ loads of options for future employment should I wish to take them.’ As a door supervisor at a local nightclub, he is again ‘working as part of a close-knit team. I am responsible for the security of the club and the safety of club goers. I welcome people when they arrive and as act as the face of the venue.

‘The hours mean I get plenty of time to train for my other passion of kick boxing. Also I get to meet lots of interesting people. Leadership skills and teamwork play a major part in this job, as do my first aid skills. Communication is also a key skill as it is better to avoid confrontation. I have more control and flexibility, and greater job satisfaction. Extra hours and money are there if I want them.’

Published February 08